A simplified method for estimating seismic performance of small homogeneous earth dams

Abstract

We propose a new simplified method for assessing the seismic performance of homogeneous small earth dams (height < 20 m) founded on bedrock. Dynamic decoupled calculations were performed on seven accelerograms applied to 33 structural and geotechnical configurations. We studied the influence of embankment geometries and mechanical properties on the prediction of earthquake-induced permanent displacements estimated using Newmark analyses. This paper also discuss the relevance of this model comparing it with existing simplified models and with post-seismic field observations. A regression analysis based on easily accessible parameters characterizing the structure (yield coefficient and initial fundamental period) and the ground motion (peak ground acceleration and Arias intensity) was used to provide a pseudo-empirical predictive equation to carry out rapid preliminary seismic performance assessments.